From Rev’d Caroline – 01285 712467 – carolinesymcox@googlemail.com
Readings for Sunday: Jeremiah 20.7-13; Romans 6.1b-11; Matthew 10.24-39
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The following is taken from the Parish Newsletter for Sunday 21st June 2026.
There can be no denying that our readings from the Bible this week are particularly uncompromising, and incredibly challenging. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a) a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife, and b) human beings like to be comfortable. It shouldn’t surprise us that human being like to be comfortable. It makes a great deal of sense, however you want to think about it. Comfort means we are secure, unthreatened, in control. Our needs are met. Our fears are assuaged. What could be better?
So when we are hit with a word from Scripture like that we have this Sunday, it is a real shock to the system. These readings we hear from the Lord tells us in no uncertain terms that we are not meant to be comfortable. In fact, to follow Jesus fully and truly means to live in the opposite of comfort. We call Jesus the ‘Prince of Peace’, and truly that is a title given him by the prophets, but Jesus knew that external peace would actually be threatened by his presence and message, at least initially. He says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Jesus’ message, and indeed, the whole of God’s plan for his creation, does not make for comfort. Jeremiah, that great prophet of Judah before its fall, knew just how insecure a position it was to be someone who spoke God’s Word to his people. God’s Word was a challenge! No one wanted to hear it! It was unwelcome and unacceptable to a people who just wanted to lead comfortable, untroubled lives. And Jeremiah knew, just as clearly, that to know God’s message and not to pass it on, to try to preserve his own peace, would be worse. It burned inside him, and he had to share it, however much trouble it brought him.
To be obedient to God, followers of Jesus, we will find ourselves in opposition to a lot of the world. We will find ourselves on the outside, looked at with suspicion and disgust by those who like to be rich, powerful, selfish and arrogant. And if we are not, then we must ask ourselves why not? Have we compromised our message by succumbing to comfort?
Jeremiah knew the challenge and the cost. Jesus knew it. It is something we must contend with as well. Are we ready to be an uncomfortable people as we offer God’s challenging word to his Creation?
Rev’d Caroline
Updated 22nd June 2026